critique of pure reason: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareAcademic / Philosophical
Quick answer
What does “critique of pure reason” mean?
The philosophical work by Immanuel Kant that investigates the foundations, scope, and limits of human reason.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical work by Immanuel Kant that investigates the foundations, scope, and limits of human reason.
A term used to refer specifically to Kant's 1781 philosophical treatise or, more broadly, to the style of philosophical analysis and foundational inquiry exemplified by it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Differences are limited to pronunciation.
Connotations
Identical: an advanced philosophical text, a cornerstone of modern philosophy.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “critique of pure reason” in a Sentence
The Critique of Pure Reason argues...In the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central to philosophy courses; a canonical text in epistemology and metaphysics.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used to refer precisely to Kant's book or its doctrines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “critique of pure reason”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “critique of pure reason”
- Mistaking it for a general term for any criticism.
- Writing 'Critique of Pure Reason' without italics or capital letters for the title.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a critique of pure reason').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The German philosopher Immanuel Kant.
It was first published in 1781.
It investigates the nature and limits of human reason and knowledge, asking what we can know independent of experience.
No. In this context, 'critique' means a critical analysis or examination of the foundations of something, not necessarily a negative evaluation.
The philosophical work by Immanuel Kant that investigates the foundations, scope, and limits of human reason.
Critique of pure reason is usually academic / philosophical in register.
Critique of pure reason: in British English it is pronounced /kriːˈtiːk əv pjʊə ˈriːzən/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɪˈtiːk əv pjʊr ˈriːzən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Kant's REASON needed a CRITIQUE to be PURE; the title links all three.
Conceptual Metaphor
Reason as a building requiring a foundation check.
Practice
Quiz
'Critique of Pure Reason' is primarily: